Tastes

Unfortunately I was a little disappointed when I finally tried this one. Don’t get me wrong, this is a fantastic bourbon but no better than the small batch version in my humble opinion. Eventually I will give this another shot just because every barrel is inherently different but for now I don’t see the value in paying extra when I get virtually the same thing in the small batch. My bottling was from warehouse JW and barrel no 25-4G. Did have quite a bit of spice with virtually no burn. Hard to believe it is 50% ABV.

I have to admit this is my first rye so I don’t have anything to compare it to but boy has this one opened my eyes. I’m not a huge fan of rye bread so I kind of always stayed clear of the rye bourbons but I saw an old style bottle of this on clearance and couldn’t resist the urge. There is something about this that just feels right. The rye was obviously there in the nose but I also got whiffs of what I can only describe as sawdust. The palate was smooth as butter and it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. The finish to me is where this one shines, that’s where I found the pronounced rye I was looking for, although not at all overpowering. So glad I took the chance on this one, has really opened up my world to a whole other side of whiskey that I never thought I would enjoy.

All the qualities of a traditional bourbon but with a slight fruitiness and a pronounced char evident of the 10 years spent in the barrel. Refreshingly different and ridiculously smooth. Great bourbon!

Got a sample of this from a friend and I have to say I am impressed. I’m not usually a huge fan of peated varieties but this is so well balanced it might just change my mind. With the touch of smoke comes loads of sweet fruit and it is shockingly smooth. Guess I have to go to the store and buy a bottle for myself now.

Tasting and nosing this neat was a little too hot for me personally though not unpleasant. I’ve experienced big changes in palate when adding a little water but this is the first time I’ve seem dramatic changes in the nose as well. It’s like turning the key to a locked treasure chest. Now it was a well balanced mix of vanilla, oak, spice, maybe a hint of cherries and a whiff of saltiness much like an ocean breeze. An all around great bourbon!

This one is baffling me to be honest. Smells like a bourbon with some added fruit and a hint of vanilla but tastes more like a Speyside scotch. No complaints here though, I actually think it is delicious, just not want I expected. I had a sample of batch 16G09 and unfortunately the 50ml bottle was the only option to purchase. I will be keeping my eyes out to pick up a bottle in the future

Loads of apple on the nose. Light on the tongue but packed with citrus flavor and super smooth. Great summer scotch! I actually liked this more than I thought I would, just another reason to try everything I get a chance to.

Holy F is this good. I got this bottle because of a recommendation at a local liquor store and I need to go back and thank the guy. This is everything a bourbon is supposed to be. Just the right amounts of vanilla oak and caramel and very well balanced. Not to mention it is unbelievably smooth at 50% ABV. Does have a nice little kick on the finish letting you know it is there but very mild. At a cheaper price point and more readily available in my area, this one might beat out Blanton’s for me. Now onto trying the single barrel when it comes back in stock!

Picked up one of 221 bottles from barrel 377 on my recent trip to the granite state. Box states “sweet honey with hints of tropical fruits & berries complimented by luscious light peat smoke” I first tried this neat and I have to say, it is very smooth and the ABV at 59.9% is well hidden. I was very surprised at how much peat I got on the nose, not typical of a Speyside at all, smells more like an Islay. The palate started off slightly sweet and I could get a touch of the honey and some fruit but I would not call it tropical. The peat slowly worked it’s way in towards the end and was much more balanced than the nose suggested. Had a moderate spicy finish with some sweetness coming back at the very end. Adding a touch of water opened up the fruits a little bit and balanced out the peat even more. Although I was expecting a summer sipper, I ended up getting something I think I would rather have on a fall night around a camp fire. Overall, a nicely balanced scotch that I am happy to have in my collection!

I get vanilla, oak and some fruit up front on the nose. Had the typical palate of a classic bourbon but with a hint of cherry or mixed berries, evident of its port finish. Thicker mouthfeel, ridiculously smooth and without a ton of heat. I can see why it is so popular. At the same price as Blanton’s it is refreshing different but not quite as refined. Price point aside, this is a fantastic bourbon and will be a staple in my collection.